Sales & Marketing - Self Employed Locksmith

Locknut

Tell him to register on the ICL forum asap and add his details there is lots of work and information on there being passed about, and a fantastic marketing section what area are you in? I get a bit of work that I struggle to get covered at times.

Try not to do any work for the nationals as they charge silly prices, if your husband has a sign written van he will get tarred with the same brush!

welcome to the vertical struggle as contrary to popular belief and what the advertising on the web would have you belive, the industry is WELL over populated, where did he do his training? if he is new he will only be a ICL student member (differant to being a member)

nettyt

Hi there,

We were on the forum but changed his email address at the weekend and we're now still waiting approval to get back on it but will definitely be utilising it asap!

I cant remember off hand who he trained with but it was down in Surrey. Sorry to be vague! He's based in Hertfordshire, so looking to cover Herts, Beds, Bucks, North London etc. Would welcome the opportunity of helping you out if you ever need anyone in this area.

We're not sign writen at the moment, thats another thing I would appreciate your advice on. We're wary of making the van a target for thieves, do you think being sign written is essential?

Jplocksmiths wrote: »

Tell him to register on the ICL forum asap and add his details there is lots of work and information on there being passed about, and a fantastic marketing section what area are you in? I get a bit of work that I struggle to get covered at times.

Try not to do any work for the nationals as they charge silly prices, if your husband has a sign written van he will get tarred with the same brush!

welcome to the vertical struggle as contrary to popular belief and what the advertising on the web would have you belive, the industry is WELL over populated, where did he do his training? if he is new he will only be a ICL student member (differant to being a member)

Locknut

If its surrey and he has applied to be ICL then it will be Walker locksmith training, this is only a basic picking course really and he will still have a massive hill to climb think uPVC course joinery course and metal working to name but a few things that he will need, aswell as being well versed on BS3621& EN1303 insurance standards plus fire regs, also be carefull of stating that he is fully qualified as there is no qualification for being a locksmith. and could leave you wide open for misrepresentation.

As for having the van sign written there are many reasons for and against I personally have mine done as I think it looks more profesional and is always a good advert (as long as the van is in good nick) all vans are a target the best thing would be to remove all the tools on a night and have slam/deadlocks fitted (metal working comes in here)oh and a good alarm.

nettyt

thanks JP, yes he is constantly expanding on his skills and knowledge, gaining experience with carpenters and fellow locksmiths. Its a steep learning curve - he's out currently practising but we know there's a pretty big mountain to climb hence me trying to get as much help and advice as possible!

We're targetting all local lettings, estate agents etc. Also hardware stores who seem to pass on business regularly. Trying not to run before we can walk but obviously need to get some cash flowing so any extra advice on starting up would be greatly appreciated - still waiting to get back on ICL forums!

Once again thank you for your advice, its a hard slog getting set up and it really helps getting advice from someone as experienced as yourself.

Locknut

I wish you the best of luck as you both seem to have your heads screwed on and I know what you mean about the money, its tough out there for established locksmiths so it must be really tough in your position.

judygarland

Mike_by_the_Sea wrote: »

Have a look at the Trustmark scheme. This will give you an edge when it comes to business opportunities.

http://www.hertsdirect.org/yourbus/tradingstandards/trustmarkinfo

Good luck

Mike

You wouldnt happen to know how much it costs to be added as a trader to the Trustmark Scheme?

saphydog

I know this is an old post but how did you get on with the police locksmith Walsall response group?
Was it BOING rapid secure locksmith wednesbury? Iv only heard really bad things about that company and a lot of locksmiths in walsall were shafted by them.
Apparently the gaffer was done for VAT evasion and did a runner.